The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym Opens in San Rafael August 21!
On Saturday, August 21, 2021 Marin's new indoor rock-climbing gym, the Gravity Vault Marin, opens to the public in the newly built San Rafael Sports Center! Located at 440 Smith Ranch Road (near McInnis Park), the Gravity Vault Marin will offer approximately 18,000 square feet of climbing with top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering opportunities as well as yoga, cardio, weight training, and more. From adult instruction to extensive youth offerings (ages 5+) including afterschool programming, teams, and birthday parties, there will be something for everyone.
Gravity Vault Marin's weekend long Grand Opening Celebration will offer two days of climbing fun, including free Try-A-Climbs for new climbers, speed climbing competitions, $5 day passes, membership discounts, prizes and more. Guests are invited to meet the instructors and explore adult and youth programs. Festivities will take place Saturday, August 21, from 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday, August 22, from 9 am to 6 pm.
COVID-19 health and safety protocols are currently in place and are constantly being evaluated as the situation evolves. In accordance with current health orders from the Marin County Health Department, masks will be required while in the gym. The gym features a large open space with a 40-foot roof and a MERV 13 filtered HVAC system.
My daughter and I had the opportunity to check out Gravity Vault Marin before they opened, and it's an incredible space! We tried out the bouldering wall and got to watch other climbers in action on the variety of climbing courses throughout the building. They also offer yoga classes and you can rent or purchase gear — like shoes and chalk bags — if needed.
For kids, they offer classes for ages 5–13 (5 is the minimum age for participation, as well as birthday parties for up to 20 participants that include 90 minutes of climbing followed by a half hour in the party room. Learn more about their programs here.
About the Gravity Vault Marin
The Gravity Vault Marin is the creation of two Mill Valley residents, businessmen and avid climbers Scott Sklar and Brian Platter. Longtime friends, they not only share a love for climbing, but also spent years driving their own children to San Francisco to climb. Sklar and Platter partnered with Lucas Kovalcik, owner of Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms to create the Gravity Vault Marin.
This will be the first West Coast location for the Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms, which currently has 11 locations on the East Coast, and many more under development. After five years of searching for the ideal site, the Sklar and Platter were pleased to find the perfect space at the San Rafael Sports Center which is located at the San Rafael Airport and is expected to feature indoor and outdoor sports fields, volleyball, a family entertainment center, dining options, and more.
The Gravity Vault Marin will feature:
- 18,000 square feet of climbing
- 4,000 square feet of bouldering over two levels
- 200+ top pope and lead routes
- 150+ boulder problems
- 10 auto belays
- Two 10m speed walls
- Adjustable LED kilter training wall
- Fully Climate Controlled Facility
- Locker rooms and showers
- Fitness, yoga, cardio and weight training
- Lounges and workspaces with Wi-Fi
- Full-service retail shop
- Party, yoga and meeting rooms
The Gravity Vault Marin is located within the San Rafael Sports Center at 440 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, CA 94903, on the San Rafael Airport property and near McInnis Park Golf Course. For more information, visit www.gravityvault.com/locations/marin-county-ca or follow @GravityVault/Marin on Facebook and @gravityvault_marin on Instagram.
